Cathy Cruise. Okay, enough said on this one. You all know Cathy edited this thing so much, she ought to be a co-author. Love you, Cath.

Colleen Kearney Rich for that last, all-important new set of eyes, and Jacqueline Sheehan for leading the Northampton fiction workshop where the missing piece of the puzzle finally fell into place.

Roxanne Steed. Artist and friend. Having Roxanne’s lovely painting grace the cover of the book was the best decision I’ve made in a long time, and she’s been a terrific promotion partner.

Readers, readers, readers. I can never thank you all enough. So many readers have been so kind and appreciative. There is no greater success as a writer than knowing that your work has touched someone, has made them think and feel. Thanks for letting me know how much Homing Instincts meant to you.

My siblings and my mother-in-law for abundant cheerleading and praise. You guys are the best

Our Write Despite readers, for continuing to follow and contribute to our blog — even though I suspect we may be a wee bit tedious at times

My husband and son, the real jackpot. XOXO

The good Lord above, because I believe He sometimes has a hand in these things …

Happy Holidays!

From Cathy:

Well 2016 here we come. But first, the Airing of the Grievances.

Kidding. Been watching too many Seinfeld reruns while wrapping gifts.

First, the Airing of the Gratefulness. This year has made me thankful for:

Perseverance. Because agents don’t come looking for you. Instead, they wait for you to submit to many, many of them before they kindly but decidedly turn you down. Which leads to:

Indie publishers. Because sometimes they actually like your book and will take a chance on it. Like the awesome Samantha March of Marching Ink. Because publication. Finally!

And, like Karen said, an army of early readers and supporters:

Karen Guzman. Yes, I’m returning the love. She read it twice and that’s more than anyone should have to. Thank you, Karen, for your sharp eye, spot-on advice, and constant yammering that I could do better.

Kirsten Lopresti—same thing. Two reads and boatloads of advice and encouragement. Many, many thanks.

My husband (another beta reader!), son, daughter, and niece who ate more takeout and amused themselves on evenings and weekends much more than they should have (and still are, while I’m in the final editing stage). Love you all too much.

Our Write Despite followers! Just knowing you’re out there is motivation to keep going. Thank you for your interest, and best to all of you.

Finally, I’m grateful for friends who all published books this year. Could not be happier for:

What a cool wrap-up of 2015. It was a pleasure meeting Karen at GMU this year, and I’m thrilled that Cathy’s hard work is finally being rewarded and her novel will be published in 2016. Can’t wait to celebrate you! To all of my writing friends: May 2016 bless us with lots of time to write and few distractions, and plenty of inspiration and perseverance. We are in the company of greatness 🙂